6 articles on firm acquisition & merger for UK solicitors and law firms.
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6 guides for UK solicitors and law firms.
Yes, non-lawyers can buy or own a UK law firm via the Alternative Business Structure (ABS) regime under Part 5 of the Legal Services Act 2007. We cover the SRA licensing route, Approved Owner and Approved Manager status, the entity and tax structure of an incorporated ABS, and the realistic acquisition timeline.
7 min read
UK law firm purchase prices in 2025/26 typically range from £150k for a small sole practitioner book to £5m+ for established multi-partner LLPs. The price = normalised profit × multiple + WIP + tangibles. We break down realistic ranges and what drives them.
7 min read
Starting a UK law firm in 2025/26 typically costs £15,000-£35,000 in upfront setup plus 6-12 months of working capital. Total realistic first-year cash requirement: £40,000-£100,000 for a sole practitioner, £80,000-£250,000 for a small partnership.
6 min read
When a solicitor buys a law firm, each client matter must be formally novated to the new entity. This guide explains the SRA requirements, the client consent process, and how to document the transfer correctly.
7 min read
Buying a conveyancing firm requires more than a multiple of profit. You need to check the quality of the client matter pipeline, the reliability of referral sources, and the firm's SRA compliance history. This guide gives you a practical due diligence checklist for solicitors and law firm partners.
8 min read
Acquiring a law firm requires more than a commercial agreement. The SRA must consent to the change of ownership or control. This guide explains the notification, consent, and ABS application process for solicitors buying a firm.
8 min read
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Goodwill is a capital asset while work in progress and debtors are trading income, and the buyer's relief on acquired goodwill turns on when it was bought and from whom. Ask a specialist to review the split and the exposure before heads of terms are signed.
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